Natural Type-On Expression

[Dan Ebberts]

Something like this probably:


minRate = 1;
maxRate = 2;

C = comp("chat");
L = C.layer("Adjustment Layer 1");
t = L.marker.key("start").time - C.layer(thisComp.name).startTime;
charCount = 0;
seedRandom(index,true);
while (t < time){
charCount++;
t += framesToTime(random(minRate,maxRate));
}
value.substr(0,charCount)


Dan

[Marcelo Cabral]

Hi Dan, It works perfectly. Unfortunately, I have to change some stuff. Instead of referring a name mark I have to refer to several marks in the layer without numbers or names because I have to place several text layers in the final composition all referring to the same layer marks in the outside composition. Is that possible? Thank you, I appreciate your support, Dan.

Marcelo

[Dan Ebberts]

Sorry, I’m not understanding what you’re describing.

Dan

[Marcelo Cabral]

Hi Dan
This part of the expression
t = L.marker.key(“start”).time – C.layer(thisComp.name).startTime;
is referring one named mark in a layer of an external composition.

What I need is the expression works without using a “name” of the mark, just the mark. So that way I can use several text layers with the expression and they will be activated when I add more marks to the layer.

Thank you again

[Dan Ebberts]

How does the expression know which marker to use?

Dan

[Marcelo Cabral]

You completely right, Dan. I will use mark names, that will be better. Thank you again.
Marcelo

[Dan Ebberts]

If you’re going to modify each expression, you could also just use the marker index, like this:

t = L.marker.key(3).time – C.layer(thisComp.name).startTime;

for example.

Dan

[Marcelo Cabral]

Last question Dan.
In the same way, how can I set up the opacity of a layer (100/0 or on-off) using a named mark in a layer of an external composition. The same like the text but only for opacity property. Thank you.

Marcelo

[Marcelo Cabral]

That will better Dan. Thank you.

[Sher Safi]

Awesome expression, Dan.

Is there a way to add a Blinking cursor? that would be nice.

I also have the below expression which has the cursor but only would’ve been better if it had a random feeling to the typing effect.

L = text.sourceText.length;
T = time*effect("Speed")("Slider") - effect("Start At")("Slider")*effect("Speed")("Slider");
F = Math.round(time % 1);

if(F == 1 | (T0) ){Fl = "|";}else{Fl=" ";}

substr(0,T) + Fl